Where to Swim in Rome

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Roman summers can be HOT! Consider taking a break from sightseeing to go for a dip.

Here are some of our top picks for where to take a swim:

Public Pools in Rome

This is a selection of public, out-door pools in Rome. There is usually a registration fee in addition to the daily cost. Typically pools are open during the summer months, but its best to call before going.

If you've had your fill of sightseeing or oppressive summer heat, why not enjoy a day at the seaside? It is easy to escape the city for a day of seafood, sand, and sunsets but remember most beaches are very crowded on weekends.

While it might not be as glamorous as other Italian beaches, Ostia Lido is the closest to Rome. There are some good private sandy beaches available for day use as well as a few public beach areas. The beach at Ostia is known for its dark sand and the water is clean enough for swimming.

How to get there:

About 30 minutes from Rome’s ‘Porta S Paolo’ Station (connected to the Metro B station ‘Piramide’) take the Ostia Lido train to the ‘Ostia Lido Centro’ stop or continue to the next stop, ‘Ostia Stella Polare’ both have a picture of water on the list of stops inside the train.

SANTA MARINELLA BEACH

Santa Marinella has nice sandy beaches, with free access or private, and clear water for swimming. In the small town of Santa Marinella you'll find bars, shops, and good seafood restaurants. In the days of ancient Rome, Santa Marinella was a Roman bathing resort.

How to get there:

Less than an hour by regional train from Termini Station (or Trastevere station or San Pietro station) get off the train at Santa Marinella and you’ll have a five-minute walk from the station to the beach.

SANTA SEVERA BEACH

It takes its name from the 2nd-century Christian martyr. The village includes a small medieval town with a 9th-century castle facing the sea, where the ancient Etruscan port of Pyrgi was once located. It’s about 10 km from Santa Marinella.

How to get there:

By direct train from Ostiense, Trastevere or San Pietro stations.

SPERLONGA BEACH

Sperlonga beach is one of Italy's ‘blue flag’ beaches which means the sand and water are clean and the beach is environmentally friendly. Most of the beach areas are private so you'll pay a fee for use or squeeze into one of the small public areas. Sperlonga itself is a picturesque town with narrow streets rising up the hill from the sea. In town there are shops, cafes, and restaurants. Sperlonga has been a popular seaside destination since Roman times. Emperor Tiberius had a villa south of the town that you can visit along with the Grotto of Tiberius and archeological museum.

How to get there:

Take a regional train from Rome's Termini station to the Fondi-Sperlonga station (a little over an hour), then take a bus from outside the station (you can get off the bus when you see water or stay on until the end of the line and it will take you up the hill into the town).

SABAUDIA AND CIRCEO PARK

Sabaudia's 20km of beaches have been consecutively awarded the European Blue Flag - guaranteeing the cleanliness of the water and the quality of the services offered. Sabaudia is included in Circeo Park. Circeo Park was born in order to protect not only a single species but also a rich group of characteristic biomes (associations of coexistent plants and animals determined and influenced by environmental factors) with a consequent abundance of species which today has been defined as biodiversity.

How to get there:

By train from Termini Station get off in ‘Priverno Fossanova’ Stop, and then take a bus from outside the station or a taxi. (Under 2 hours total)

Lakes Near Rome

Rome gives you different opportunities for a sunny day and a swim, including some beautiful lakes.

BRACCIANO LAKE

Bracciano is an enormous lake has a shore length of approximately 32,19 kilometres (20,00 miles) and is volcanic in its origins. The shores of Lake Bracciano are spotted with relaxed restaurants, cafes, and gelaterias. From windsurfing to bicycle rentals; the lake has plenty of activities for you to enjoy. No motor are allowed in the lake so the clean clear water is perfect for a swim

How to get there:

By train from Ostiense station (Rome-Viterbo line) and get off at ‘Anguillara’ stop.

MARTIGNANO LAKE

This is a destination for the more adventurous tourist. If you want to escape crowd and heat and to reach a quiet and relaxed natural volcanic lake, Martignano Lake is the right place for you.

How to get there:

By train from Rome (Ostiense or Trastevere or San Pietro station) . Take the Roma-Viterbo train and get off at Anguillara-Sabazia stop (less than an hour) and then take taxi or bus to the lake (under 2 hours total).

Comments

I've heard that the beaches around Ostia can be a bit rowdy and aren't the best for young children. A lot of friends of mine that come to Italy often tell me Sperlonga is beautiful. Can Eyes of rome organize a car transfer and a tour of the area if we decide to stay there for the weekend? we're coming mid july and I know it'll be scorching so in my opinion staying close to water is best. If you have other suggestions, let me know.

The beaches around Ostia are quite safe during the day and there are some parts that are usually frequented by families and other parts which are frequented by a younger crowd like university students. Your friends have fabulous taste because we agree that Sperlonga is a special beach and has an amazing sense of community. Eyes of Rome would love to organize a tour around the ancient town of Sperlonga for you and your family but for us to provide you with the best assistance we suggest contacting us via email at info@eyesofrome.com so we can create the perfect tour for you and your family. If you admire this kind of atmosphere we would also suggest looking up places like Santa Marinella and Santa Severa and let us know what you think! These pleasant seaside towns are further north but they are closer to get to from Rome.

We look forward to working with you, Mark and we hope this information has helped.